Is Boric Acid Safe for Humans?

Exposure to boric acid can lead to a series of life-threatening symptoms that need to be given great care and attention. Boric acid has other names such as hydrogen borite, orthoboric acid, boracic acid, & acidum boricum. From basic chemistry, it is a weak monobasic Lewis acid. 

The chemical formula for boric acid is H 3 BO 3; it could sometimes be written as B(OH) 3. It exists as colorless crystals and can be dissolved in water. 

Why is Boric Acid bad

Boric is a toxin. Exposure to it can offset or trigger several different health hazards in the human system. Boric can affect the nervous system and offset the stomach. It doesn’t react well with human organs and even lower animal organs. Since boric acid is used to destroy insects and pests, it can also affect human organs. Exposure to boric acid can cause the following; 

Diarrhea 

Boric exposure can cause a disturbance in the intestinal system. It causes patients to experience cramping, bloating, abdominal pain and discomfort. All of these results in recurrent diarrhea which needs to be attended to urgently. Exposure to boric acid may cause an individual to pass watery stools. 

Diarrhea, however, may lead to dehydration and imbalanced mineral levels in the body. Due to incessant or recurrent stooling, the cells in the body lose essential minerals like sodium and potassium. It may also result in dizziness, headache, fatigue and even loss of consciousness. 

Skin Irritation 

Boric acid poisoning may cause your skin to become red with irritated patches all over your body. Exposure makes people come up with skin rash. In worse cases, blistering or skin peeling may occur. 

Other health hazards of boric acid poisoning include; 

• Muscle spasm 
• Drowsiness 
• Fever
• Blue-green vomit

How does Boric acid end up in our products?

Boric acid is an intentional chemical used by manufacturers with the intention of killing insects, destroying yeast, controlling pests and as part of construction materials. 

Boric acid is not only intentional, but it is also naturally occurring. It can be found in water, plant, and soil. It can move through plants and fruits easily. Although, boron is needed for plant growth excess of it may affect their growth. 

Where is boric acid found?

Boric is usually a component of some household essentials like pesticides, antiseptics, flame retardants, oil amendments, household cleaning agents, personal care products, fertilizers, laundry detergents,  and other substances. 

How can you recognize it on labels?

If you are getting a pesticide, insecticide, household cleaning agent or other substances that may contain boric. Check on the label to see where Boric acid is written. Some manufacturers may use the chemical formula (H 3 BO 3 or  B(OH) 3).

Boric acid is widely used so access to it is easy. However, it is important that you to try as much as possible to limit your exposure to boric acid. If you must spray your yard with insecticide or your garden with pesticides, ensure that you wear protective garments to prevent it from touching your skin. Also, wear a nose guard or vacate the environment for the period of use.